Classroom Observation

Start with the purpose of observation

Begin with the mind map Classroom observation and research. It describes observation as a way to collect data about teaching and learning processes and introduces research methods. Use its branches to identify what an investigator wants to find out before looking at how observations are recorded.

Next, explore Observation and research in the classroom context. It outlines purposes such as comparing teaching methods and evaluating teachers and materials. Compare those purposes with the questions you noted from the first map.

Explore interaction and reflection

Classroom Observation & Teacher Reflection presents observation as a systematic approach to understanding teaching and learning. It also introduces interaction analysis. Follow the branches to see how the map connects classroom interaction with teacher reflection.

Another map focuses on observing and documenting situations. It describes observations as potentially wide-ranging and biased, with details that can be lost. Read it alongside the reflection map and consider what an observer might need to pay attention to.

Look at ways to record observations

A map on classroom observation lists manual approaches, including field notes and observation schedules, as well as electronic records such as audio and video recordings. As you study it, group the examples by format and compare them with the purposes in the earlier maps.

This page has no quizzes or flashcards. Instead, turn a map branch into a question, then return to the map to check what it says. You can also compare how different maps describe classroom observation.

Place the topic in its unit

Classroom Observation is a section of Educational Research Methods, a unit in Education and pedagogy (incl. teaching methods, curriculum, educational psychology). The maps connect observation with research purposes, data collection and reflection. Choose a map and follow one branch at a time.